The Australian Defence Export Office and Austrade have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to engage dedicated local industry experts in key export markets - a first step towards delivering enhanced export support for Australian defence businesses.
Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne said that partnering with Austrade will capitalise on whole-of-government expertise and knowledge of foreign markets to assist Australian defence industry seeking to access greater export opportunities.
“Cooperation between Austrade and the Defence Export Office is one of a range of initiatives being delivered under the Defence Export Strategy to drive a more competitive defence industry to support Australian Defence Force capability,” Minister Pyne said.
“A strong, internationally competitive and sustainable defence industry is key to meeting Australia’s current and future defence capability needs.”
According to Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steven Ciobo, local industry experts, working closely with the Defence Export Office, will provide advice and support for Australian defence businesses using Austrade’s established international networks to assist in navigating foreign markets.
“The MOU is another step in supporting the Defence Export Strategy and employing industry experts across several overseas Austrade offices will assist exporters in navigating foreign markets to grow their business,” Minister Ciobo said.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed following last month’s inaugural Defence Export Forum. The Forum, which aims to provide an integrated national approach to Defence exports, included representatives from Commonwealth agencies, state and territory governments and industry peak bodies.
Austrade and the Defence Export Office will support targeted multi-year campaigns and deliver integrated support for defence exporters.
The Defence Export Office, which opened in Canberra in April, will produce market intelligence, partner with industry in multi-year campaigns, and lead the Australian Military Sales and Team Defence Australia initiatives.